Resources
SAM, UEI and CAGE — getting started
A short, plain-language orientation for organizations new to federal registration. This is general information, not legal or compliance advice, and it is not affiliated with SAM.gov.
The three things people mix up
Unique Entity ID (UEI)
The identifier assigned to an entity in SAM. Getting a UEI on its own is not the same as holding an active entity registration — an organization can have a UEI and still not be registered to receive awards.
Entity registration
The full registration in SAM, which carries a status and must be renewed every 365 days. Registration is free.
CAGE code
A code created and maintained through the SAM registration process. DLA publishes its own guidance on registration, renewal and CAGE creation.
General steps
- 01
Confirm registration is actually needed
Check what the specific opportunity or buying organization requires. Registration requirements depend on the opportunity — it is not automatically true that every subcontractor or supplier needs an active SAM registration.
- 02
Prepare matching legal entity details
Gather your legal business name, physical address and related details exactly as they appear in your official records. Mismatched details are the most common reason validation takes longer.
- 03
Register through the official SAM site
Complete the registration at SAM.gov itself. Registration and the Unique Entity ID are free — no third party is required and no payment is needed to register.
- 04
Respond to entity validation
SAM may ask for documentation to validate your entity. Answer promptly through the official site; the request comes through SAM, not through Aria CSS.
- 05
Maintain your status
An entity registration is renewed every 365 days. Letting it lapse can make an organization ineligible at the moment it matters.
Free help is available
SAM.gov points organizations to APEX Accelerators, which provide free assistance with registration and government contracting questions. You never need to pay a third party simply to register.
A note on safety: do not send SAM passwords, banking details or tax documents through this website or an unsolicited message. Complete registration on the official government site. Contact our team first if you need guidance.
Help registering
Questions about how registration fits your equipment purchase? Call or email our team — there is no form here.